Tall bird 1891 - 1901

Curator: Welcome. Before us stands “Tall Bird,” a ceramic sculpture crafted between 1891 and 1901 by R. W. Martin and Brothers. Editor: Oh, wow. What an imposing fellow. I get the feeling it’s judging my posture or perhaps my fashion choices. The craftsmanship is wild, with such detail in its claws and sly expression. I find him more funny than intimidating though. Curator: The bird certainly possesses a strong presence. It’s a remarkable example of late 19th-century art nouveau sculpture, focusing on organic forms with an emphasis on line and decorative effect. The glazed ceramic lends itself to both form and surface patterning in a way that few materials can. Editor: Absolutely. Those blue and brown tones are quite stunning together. There is an undeniable tactile sense to this, which makes me want to trace the texture from his feathery shoulders right down to those prominent claws. Curator: The texture, as you’ve observed, is crucial. Consider how it simultaneously references nature and satirizes it. The bird stands almost human-like in its posture, provoking speculation. Do you find it comical precisely because of its human qualities superimposed onto an avian form? Editor: Well, yeah, he does kind of remind me of a cranky uncle judging the Christmas roast. Maybe it is the implied social commentary combined with such precise artistry that appeals so much. Curator: Indeed, Martin Brothers frequently incorporated anthropomorphic animals in their stoneware pieces, often as social commentary, during the late Victorian era. The work subverts the typical hierarchical structure of both human and animal representation. Editor: You’ve convinced me. I initially responded on a surface level to this bird's grumpy presence, but understanding the historical context makes me appreciate it even more. Curator: I agree. Knowing that it invites commentary allows one to appreciate it so thoroughly.